Best of the Netherlands
7 Days Starting in Amsterdam and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Keukenhof, Delft, Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem, Giethoorn, Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Volendam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4820-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$1273
$1148 (USD)
Barrhead discount: -$125
NB: Prices correct on 08-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Famous for its tulips, windmills, and wooden clogs, The Netherlands is a delightful country with scenic landscapes, historic monuments, and vibrant cities. You’ll get to know the country on this affordable tour starting and ending in Amsterdam. The capital of Holland is a pleasant, 700-year-old city whose elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, renowned museums, and picturesque canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout the city—make for a pleasurable atmosphere. Hop on a boat cruise—the best way to see Amsterdam—through the elegant canals lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Stay in Rotterdam, South Holland’s capital, a young city with the world’s busiest port and known for its modern architecture and design, as well as in some of the minor but interesting towns where you’ll discover the rural atmosphere of this country. The Netherlands is known for legendary flower production, which you will experience on the visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction where more than 20 million plants and flowers are sold daily. (Note that from April to May, the Aalsmeer flower auction visit is replaced by a visit to the spectacular 70-acre Keukenhof garden to see the incredible display of a kaleidoscope of seven million flower bulbs.) You’ll also enjoy a visit of the Royal Delft Pottery Factory to see how this precious pottery is made. Visit Gouda, known for its namesake cheese and seasonal cheese market, regularly held on the medieval Markt square. Take a stroll in Volendam, known for its old fishing boats, characteristic small houses, drawbridges, and canals. Additionally, drive over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, constructed to protect the part of Holland that is below sea level. For the value-minded travel lover wanting to have an in-depth experience of the Netherlands, this is the perfect adventure!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Amsterdam,Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus in the midst of Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manage to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and the visit of a diamond center, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy time this afternoon to explore on your own, maybe visiting one of the many museums or watching people zooming by on their bicycles. Fun fact: There are four times more bicycles than cars in Amsterdam.
Day 3 : Amsterdam,Aalsmeer/Keukenhof,Delft,Rotterdam
Location: Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Keukenhof, Delft, Rotterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Central Station
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures 0406 to 0504 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue on to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port, to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km
Day 4 : Rotterdam,Gouda,Arnhem
Location: Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Postillion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 115 km
Day 5 : Arnhem,Giethoorn,Groningen
Location: Giethoorn, Groningen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Hotel Groningen Martiniplaza
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals but quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the “World Cycling City.” In fact, its center is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands. Today’s Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km
Day 6 : Groningen,Zaanse Schans,Volendam,Amsterdam
Location: Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km
Day 7 : Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accomodation
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
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Meals
Breakfast6
Dinner3 -
Fully Guided
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
UNESCO Sites
17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam
Notes
On departures April 6 to May 4 the Aalsmeer flower auction will be replaced by the visit of Keukenhof.
Accommodation
Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Whether it's just for a stop-over or for a longer stay, you are very welcome at Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport. We are only a stone's throw away from Schiphol airport. What you should know about us: our hotel is a green oasis, both in terms of the interior --with which we quasi get the nature tot he inside- as well as in ecological and social responsible entrepreneurship.
Holiday Inn Express Central Station
Located in the heart of Rotterdam, this modern hotel is right next to the center of the city shopping area and close to local metro, tram and bus services. All guest rooms have an LCD TV with international channels, tea and coffee-making facilities and a private bathroom with walk-in shower.
De Buunderkamp
The serene Fletcher Hotel De Buunderkamp is nestled in the green woods of Wolfheze, near Arnhem. Guests can relax through the various wellness facilities that the hotel has to offer, such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna and solarium.
The modern hotel rooms are spacious and have warm, natural colors. Each room has a private bathroom.
Fletcher Hotel
Enjoying a beautiful location beside the Paterswolde ponds, this hotel has a rich history of over 125 years, is warmly decorated and is sure to provide a comfortable stay in the lively city of Gronigen. The Health Club offers access to the beautiful swimming pool, sauna and fitness center and there is also an on-site restaurant and brasserie. The tastefully furnished guestrooms all feature a bathroom with shower or bath, a television, radio and telephone. Free Wi-Fi internet is available throughout the property.
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Friday
May 18, 2024 - May 24, 2024Saturday - Friday
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Saturday - Friday
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Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Saturday - Friday
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Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
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Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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